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Coronavirus

Online shopping for those who are shielding

(40 Posts)
ZadieGransnet (GNHQ) Wed 17-Feb-21 18:14:10

Hi everyone,

Following the news that 1.7 million people have been added to the shielding list, we're updating our 'How do I register as a vulnerable customer?' page, to ensure we can be as helpful as possible to those who have just been told to shield for the first time, which is where we'd really appreciate your help. flowers

If you've been shielding, how have you found registering for priority online shopping slots? Has it been an easy process? Are there supermarkets you've found it easier to get order slots with? Have you been able to get regular slots when you need them?

Please let us know your experiences on this thread - TIA! smile

M0nica Fri 19-Feb-21 11:56:34

In which case muse, you should contact your GP and find out why they are missing. All your visits to see doctors, nurses etc should be listed, likewise all hospital visits and tests you have taken.

It sounds to me that you have only received part of your medical records, that relating to prescriptions and vaccines, not the main part.

growstuff Fri 19-Feb-21 12:16:47

Marydoll

I have a question for English posters. Are you able to view your patient records through Patient Access?
How do you know there are errors on your record?

No, I can't. Your GP decides what level of access you have. I can't even access blood test results online, which I know some people can. I once asked why it was decided to not to give access and the reply was that people would worry too much, which I found quite patronising.

Marydoll Fri 19-Feb-21 12:16:57

I have no access, apart from prescription record. No illnesses at all. I don't think that it is possible to access full records in Scotland. I'm sure someone can confirm or deny this.

BlueSky Fri 19-Feb-21 12:18:49

Alexa perhaps you could take your bp tablet every other day? Yes please discuss with your GP whether you need to take it at all or perhaps a lower dosage.
As for priority supermarket slots, last year Sainsbury’s notified me that I would be, being in the 70s age group, also I had been a long term customer already. Never been able to order from Waitrose though!

growstuff Fri 19-Feb-21 12:20:11

Marydoll

I have no access, apart from prescription record. No illnesses at all. I don't think that it is possible to access full records in Scotland. I'm sure someone can confirm or deny this.

Same here. No record of vaccines, illnesses or anything.

All I have is an allergy to ibuprofen, my medications and appointments over the last year. The GPs decode themselves what access they give their patients.

growstuff Fri 19-Feb-21 12:22:11

decide (not decode)

LondonMzFitz Fri 19-Feb-21 12:31:24

Being in London I've been really lucky to get regular slots right from the beginning of lockdown 1, usually with Ocado with the occasional Asda. I no longer use Tesco as they continually sent me fruit & veg that was rotten. It was very easy to register. My Borough Council also delivered a box of food each week early on to my door, lots of carbs, potatoes, bread, small bag of fruit and tinned veg. My neighbour who isn't online and aged 79 was very grateful!

I've used online deliveries for years and years, love how convenient it is. I won't use Tesco again. But loving Ocado - they are no longer supplying Waitrose products but use M&S, bit pricey but I figure it's not like I'm spending money on anything (ANYTHING) else.

I have full access to my medical records through my GP surgery online.

Marydoll Fri 19-Feb-21 12:59:10

I would really like to read my records. I discovered that letter sent from my RA consultant to my GP, expressing concern about my heart, wasn't acted on.
I had a heart attack, which may been preventable.

growstuff Fri 19-Feb-21 13:06:57

Did you get a copy of a letter from your consultant? The hospital has been very good about sending me copies of letters and I can read the recommendations. I've then put pressure (ahem) on the GP to do what has been recommended. Otherwise, they do nothing. They don't even contact me automatically when I've had blood test results with a note to discuss with the GP, so I insist on getting a print out of any tests and follow up myself.

growstuff Fri 19-Feb-21 13:08:41

You do have the right to see your own records, although you'll have to request them and they might charge an admin fee.

Marydoll Fri 19-Feb-21 13:36:45

Only my RA consultant sends me copies. The others don't. However, my RA consultant retired during the Pandemic and I only found out last week from my RA specialist nurse that the letter was sent in October.

twinnytwin Fri 19-Feb-21 14:00:00

Alexa, just to mention that Sainsburys takes payment for your shopping on the delivery day, not when you order (you mentioned two weeks). Since this last lockdown we've had weekly deliveries and been very impressed. To enable them to hold the delivery slot for you, you have to order at least £25 worth (don't hold me on the amount). I also start ordering two weeks ahead, and when the slots become available I order all the basics from my Favourites which amount to around £25 to reserve the slot, and then add, delete and tweak my order right up to the day before delivery.
I've been classified as clinically extremely vulnerable and have been messaged, emailed and had post from all the relevant organisations right from March 2020. My GP and hospital consultants have been fantastic and when I order regular prescriptions via PatientAccess, they are delivered to my home the following day. Very happy.

Alexa Sat 20-Feb-21 10:42:34

Thanks, twinnytwin. I noted what you told me.

vickymeldrew Sat 20-Feb-21 10:53:04

Another vote for Tesco. I am CEV and have been shielding since last March. In spite of shopping in person with Waitrose since 1982 I was unable to secure any delivery slots. I called Tesco customer service who were brilliant. They made sure I was on the list and advised me how the system updates overnight. I have been very impressed with quality, price and long use by dates. Feel really let down by Waitrose.